Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in a wide range of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including trauma, ischemia, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimers disease. Tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), both pro-inflammatory cytokines, have previously been shown to attenuate long-term potentiation (LTP), a proposed model for learning and memory. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying the TNF- and IL-18 mediated inhibition of LTP. Initial experiments consolidate evidence on inducing LTP in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Subsequent experiments consolidate evidence that TNF- and IL-18 can impair LTP in the dentate gyrus.

Derval Cumiskey graduated with a B.Sc in Pharmacology from University College Dublin in 2002 before going on to complete a PhD in Neuroscience at University College Dublin.